About MEC
At MEC, we believe the transformative power of the outdoors makes us better humans and drives us to do good for the planet. We are here to inspire and support everyone in getting active outside, matching people with gear and advice that instills confidence. We offer more than products; we offer passion for the outdoors. We play with purpose!
Our business model is dependent on impassioned and well-trained outdoor enthusiasts and as such we look for individuals who live our purpose and fit with MEC ethos and lifestyle. If you are that person, we’d love to connect with you. Join us!
Inclusivity at MEC
MEC is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building an inclusive community of staffers. We’re proud to work with our people to create a diverse workplace, where everyone feels like they belong and has the opportunity to be successful. We welcome of all applicants to join our diverse team. Tell us what you need during the hiring process, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
The Role
The Social Impact Manager is responsible for developing and leading MEC’s Social Impact Program and delivering this Program across our manufacturing supply chain and operations. The primary responsibility is the assessment and remediation of forced labour and other social impact issues in our supply chain, and on public reporting relating to social impact. The SIM is key to ensuring MEC remains as a recognized leader in social impact in the outdoor retail space.
This is a hybrid role based at MEC’s HO in Vancouver and expect this role will require someone to be in the office minimum 2 days a week.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Develop and integrate MEC’s responsible sourcing practices and Social Impact Program into all departments at MEC.
- Lead the execution of MEC’s Social Impact Program:
- Collect, analyze, and action factory data (including but not limited to audit results, wage data, fair trade status, and collaboration status).
- Maintain current profiles of all factories producing MEC Label products.
- Create and complete annual audit schedules and budgets while driving industry collaboration, whenever possible.
- Ensure auditors and other service providers are held to consistent standards.
- Develop and execute programs, training, and solutions (including Corrective Action Plans) to address high-risk issues and unacceptable factory findings. Programs include Recruitment Fees, Forced Labour and Child Labour prevention, Building Safety (fire, chemical, building integrity), Legal Minimum Wage, Transparency, and Grievance Mechanisms.
- Engage and support the onboarding of vendors and suppliers to ensure the integration of Social and Environmental Impact requirements.
- Work to engage Tier 2 manufacturers and brand partners.
- Own, develop, and maintain MEC’s country risk assessment framework.
- Own, develop, and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including brands, and retailers, civil society stakeholders, advocacy groups, and governments as required.
- Develop, review, and implement MEC’s Responsible Sourcing Policy and procedures.
- Responsible for internal and external reporting on MEC’s Social Impact Program.
- In collaboration with the MEC Legal Team, responsible for MEC’s public forced and child labor compliance reporting.
- In collaboration with MEC Label, responsible for the maintenance and growth of the Fair Trade USA program. Includes identifying factory opportunities, nominating and onboarding factories, adhering to Fair Trade USA Trade Standard and the Fair Trade USA annual audit of MEC.
- In collaboration with MEC Label, engage and negotiate with certification bodies in respect of social or sustainable Product Claims.
- Responsible for maintaining MEC’s Fair Labor Association accreditation and ensuring program development ladder up to evolving industry standards. Examples include Fair Compensation, High-Risk Country Sourcing, Responsible Sourcing Policy, etc.
- Represent MEC in industry conferences and events, including participating in panels.
- Enable, deliver, and track progress against the goals and KPIs for the Social Impact Program; communicate results to relevant stakeholders.
- In collaboration with Environmental ImpactLead, responsible for maintaining MEC’s Sustainable Apparel Coalition membership and requirements including BRM and SLCP/FSLM uptake. Communicate results to relevant internal and external stakeholders and ensure data integrity.
THE QUALIFICATIONS
- Education level: Master’s Degree in Social Sciences or Sustainability
- Years of Experience: 4-8 years (excluding Masters)
- Specific skills:
- Ability to assess complex problems, and understand cultural or other contexts to find mutually beneficial solutions for MEC and others.
- Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills with a background in data integrity, process, and systems.
- Knowledge of various audit schemes, including ERSA-FLC; FLA SCI; FLA Collaborative Brand; ERSA; BetterWork; SLCP; FairWear Foundation; RSI; and Fair Trade USA.
- Experience creating and executing Corrective Action Plans.
- Strong industry understanding and ability to work collaboratively with other brands and organizations.
- Proficiency in policy and program development and implementation.
- Strong writing skills including public reporting expertise.
- Experience working with the SAC (Higg Index & SLCP), Fair Factories Clearinghouse (FFC), and Fair Labor Association considered an asset.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
- Personal characteristics:
- You are a clear, concise, and confident communicator who lives to support MEC. You communicate with honesty and openness and create the space for others to do the same.
- You possess sound business acumen, continuously innovating to achieve great results.
- Ability to maintain close relationships with cross-functional and external partners, including industry associations, certification bodies, and third-party audit service providers, to a level that enables open discussion of problems and issues, bringing them to the surface earlier.
The Compensation & Perks
The anticipated annual base salary range of this role is $65,000 to $95,000. The exact salary will be dependent on the successful candidate’s relevant skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity. This role is eligible for our annual variable incentive plan.
- Work-life flexibility
- Hybrid work environment
- Generous annual vacation allotment
- Paid Care time (Wellness/sick)
- Maternity and Parental leave top-up
- Staff Discount and amazing deals straight from vendors
- Top-notch benefit plan
- Retirement Plan matched contributions up to 4%
- Paid days to pursue outdoor activities and/or volunteer in your community
- Free staff gear rental program
- Access to a learning platform and educational assistance support
- Career development opportunities
- Field experience days, team away days, and much, much more
At our Home Office located in Vancouver, you’ll also love:
- Show up as you are—Athleisure wear
- An open office layout- choose where you sit.
- Onsite fitness equipment, change rooms with showers, and bike storage
Note: Availability of the benefits and perks may be subject to your location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements. MEC reserves the right to alter these benefits and perks in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.
Are you up for your next adventure? We’d love to hear from you! doit être à l’aise de re et de converser en.
The Candidate must be able to read and converse in English. Le candidat doit être à l’aise de lire et de converser en anglais.
Apply here